By Shams Charania, Jovan Buha and Doug Haller
The Phoenix Suns are finalizing a five-year, $31.25 million deal with Frank Vogel to hire him as their coach, league sources tell The Athletic.
Vogel, who guided the Lakers to the 2020 NBA championship, is known for his defensive acumen and detail-oriented approach. He had success while coaching stars like Paul George in Indiana, where he led the Pacers to consecutive Eastern Conference finals berths in 2013 and 2014, as well as LeBron James and Anthony Davis across three seasons in Los Angeles.
After parting ways with Monty Williams on May 14, the Suns had a thorough coaching search process that led to five finalists. Vogel, former Philadelphia 76ers coach Doc Rivers, now-76ers coach Nick Nurse, Kings assistant Jordi Fernandez and Suns assistant Kevin Young each met with Suns owner Mat Ishbia, president of basketball operations James Jones and other team officials in the final stage of the search over the past couple weeks.
For the Suns, Vogel’s connectivity and collaborative approach provided the organization confidence that this could be a long-lasting partnership with staying power.
The Athletic’s instant analysis:
Why Phoenix chose Vogel
Vogel is one of the most decorated and qualified coaching candidates available given his playoff history with the Lakers and Pacers. He’s a defensive mastermind, crafting league-leading defenses in both previous stops.
He will maximize Phoenix’s output on that end of the floor. He also has experience building an offense around superstar wings given his experience with George and James. Vogel’s messaging didn’t resonate as much at the end of his Lakers tenure. He was never able to get through to Russell Westbrook. But he was also unfairly scapegoated for things that were out of his control (the Westbrook trade, the Lakers’ roster construction, etc.).
After a year away from the game, he returns as a shrewd hire by the new Suns regime. — Buha
What’s next for the Suns?
With a new coach in place, the Suns will shift their focus to the roster. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are two of the NBA’s best players, but Ishbia just learned that isn’t enough. He’s not one to wait around.
Point guard Chris Paul just turned 38 and is set to make $30.8 million, only half of which is guaranteed. His value goes beyond stats but can Phoenix be sure Paul’s health will hold up? In addition, Deandre Ayton is a max player who didn’t play like a max player during the postseason.
With Williams gone, will they try to max out Ayton’s ability or seek a trading partner? Those decisions likely will determine the rest of the hot Phoenix summer, which will be eventful. — Haller
Required reading
(Photo: Jeffrey Swinger / USA Today)
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